Bose SoundLink Flex vs. Mini 2 SE. Music audio quality sound test. Listen 4 different genres!

I created these series of videos to share and compare the sound quality of a variety of speakers. Out of the box, update if necessary and with no EQ.
I personally picked this four songs in order to appreciate different genres for those of you who really want to hear the quality of the speakers.
Some comparisons might not be on the same category (size, price, plugged smart speakers vs. portable bluetooth speakers, etc…), so don’t start complaining! It’s all about the sound!
To record the sound I used the Sennheiser Ambeo Headset which captures 3D Audio.
Please wear headphones for an optimal/much better result.
I'll try to keep adding new comparisons to the "Battle of the Speakers" Playlist regularly, so stay tuned (get it?).
The digital peak meter represents which speaker is actually sounding - it is not meant as a real representation of the sound levels. Also, when a speaker is silent its name is greyed out.
Let me know if there is a particular pair or brand you would like me to test and I’ll do my best.
Enjoy!
Timestamps
0:01 Rock Pop
2:42 Electronic
5:56 Piano
7:44 Jazz
#flex #bose #soundlinkmini

[@starplexus.]

finally, a useful video! I was a bit bummed having ordered the sound link mini ll because a friend of mine has it (and only learning about the flex after having already ordered) the sound link mini ll much older and still pricier than the flex and many people seem to prefer the flex in online reviews, but this video finally convinced me that I made the right choice and the older model will be well worth the money :) thank you! 😘

[@Maloha486]

Wait til you find out that the original Mini is better than the Mini 2 😅

[@bamdadmedia]

Hello Patricio! Thanks so much for such an amazing and a 'real' comparison. The Mini 2 win for me personally. And I can tell that either of these would make the owner happy while listening to their favorite tunes or content. Looking forward to more of your content. Subscribed!

[@PatricioBenadon]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I totally agree with you. 👍

[@ericmartinez4897]

Love both these! Have them both! The mini 2 has better sound quality but the the flex is louder. The mini2 is built to last I've had mine 5 yrs ALREADY and it STILL sounds the 1st day.

[@arhon888]

Yes, the mini 2 sounded a little better. It also sounded a little louder from this test? I have the original Mini. Still love it.

[@gl4675]

I have the original mini and it sounded muffled for a long time and then stopped working. Turns out it just needed a battery replacement and the original model allows you to do it yourself. Amazon has the right battery and it worked perfectly and made the speaker sound better then I ever remember. At this point I’m pretty sure every sound link mini original will need a new battery 😂

[@arhon888]

@@gl4675 Mine is still ok considering it is about 7hrs old. I think I might purchase one while we can still get them:-)

[@khrapov]

My Mini 2 is 8 years old already. Yes , it's built to last

[@jharuni]

Thank you so much for making and posting this. I have bought three Mini 2s. I'm not a fan of Bose's "special" sound but the Mini 2 is a miracle of compactness. There is nothing anywhere close to it at that size. The Flex sounds nice too, it's impressive. But my next one will be another Mini 2. I like the bass, the projection, the brick-house build and I know they are reliable. The flex has pretty colors but it looks a little more toyish, and sounds almost as good. Amazing video, thank you.

[@PatricioBenadon]

I agree. The Mini 2 is really something. Too bad they don't really make it anymore. Maybe someday we will see a Mini 3? Thanks a lot for your comment!

[@ferpirata76]

Hi Jonathan. You seem to know what you are talking about. I have a good ofer (160 dollars) on a soundlink 3. I was going to get a Marshall but I heard very good opinions about this one. I don't have the chance to test it. What do you think? Thanks a lot for your time and best wishes from Spain!

[@vthunder]

love mine all these years later. Survived camping, raquetball courts, all around bullet proof. Thinking of Se version to get USB.C.... but other than than only knock is not able to play in shower which is where my best rock star comes out. LOL..... Giving this one to the wife, the mini to the daughter and just got a Flex for my home office and shower.

[@sonofzorro1]

Thanks for doing the comparison this way. It seems like most reviewers prefer the Flex, but only play lame over processed "music" through them. The flex has some cool features for the modern user, and it sounds pretty darn good, but the sound from the Soundlink kicks the Flex's butt, if your recording is accurate. The Flex would be real nice if you are mobil, or at poolside or camping.

[@aftabbanoori]

I have mini 2, and I love its sound, rich bass and clear high notes, also it is stereo.

[@PatricioBenadon]

I don’t remember the mini 2 being stereo 🤔

[@aftabbanoori]

@@PatricioBenadon it is stereo, you can see two speakers at front. Try listening some stereo music on it

[@dralgon1752]

@@aftabbanoori still mono dual speaker cause u need a left and right channel to be stereo

[@Sergei__v]

@@dralgon1752 it is clearly stereo. Use headphones.

[@PatricioBenadon]

With headphones it will always be stereo, but it doesn’t mean that without headphones is also stereo.

[@ut1987]

appreciate this video! Thanks.

[@cezzarmicu]

I sold my flex to get the mini 2 se. couldn’t be happier. The flex was louder but it had too much treble for my liking. It made my ears tired after some time listening thru it. The mini2 se does not do that to my ears ;)

[@bar10ml44]

Thank you for playing real decent music. Definitely Soundlink

[@matt-lang]

The Mini 2 has THE best bass representation in any speaker of its size. I've tried at least a half dozen and always end up coming back to the Mini 2...

[@SinaMuscarina]

Do you know is if the charger cradle can be bought extra ?

[@PatricioBenadon]

@SinaMuscarina haven’t seen that option.

[@a-aron2276]

I don't agree, I now have the mini 1,2 and flex and the flex is sounding better, the flex can be adjusted to sound the exact same as the mini 2 but just louder with better battery life, but out of the box the flex has a flatter curve. But the mini's feel much better in the hand. Even running this test switching between the two speakers I still stand by it. The flex in this video is actually sounding a little thin compared to the one I have here, especially in the flat orientation. You also don't run into any annoying interference issues that you do with two speakers. I wasn't sure about the one speaker but it's actually a solid single driver speaker.

[@thomaswagner8220]

I think the older model Bose mini Soundlink 1st generation sounds like more acoustic, which I’m willing to keep.

[@fzluis6019]

Soundlink mini has deeper bass, flex is like JBL BT speakers, audio is balanced so you can crank it up. Mini I or II is way better, thank you for uploading this review, almost bought a flex. I just got the flex last week, I must say despite its mono speaker, the performance is quite impressive. I'd say it's a good purchase, an addition to my collection. Overall both are great, it really depends on your usage, if you wanna go outdoors flex is better, but if you're into indoor use mini 1/2 is also good. Either way both models are great.

No Flex is way better it's not even close

[@magable]

@ Not at all

@@magable SLM II is like 20% as Good as the Flex Not even comparable

[@eydaimon]

@ did you hear them IRL?

[@mojojoedwards]

Keep doing what you are doing. No fluff and no wasting time. Flex suits the outdoors, Mini is for that little to medium room clarity.

[@TheJerbau]

Very Professional review

[@SaltedBadly]

Damn, SoundLink mini 2 still has it.

[@TJVideoChannelUTube]

Same feeling. Why Bose discontinued it and did not replace it with a better one?

[@CG--gk5oh]

@@TJVideoChannelUTube They release one update. They changed the Micro-USB port to USB-C

[@PatricioBenadon]

Yup, but it is still very hard to find and cost more :(

[@yenhan705eh77]

@@PatricioBenadon sams club always have them

[@PatricioBenadon]

Good to known…, I never heard of them.

[@haveanicedave]

I got both of these this black friday for 99 each. the flex from costco and the mini2 directly from bose. I plan on returning one and right now it looks like the mini2 is going to be the keeper.

[@somevideoguy99]

Got the same deal. For me bose flex sounds much better. But i like the design of mini 2.

[@teddyhenriquez5192]

I have the flex and I like how it sounds specially hooked up to the TV to play games, but after watching this video I feel like the Mini has a better sound

[@doolhoofd]

This is exactly what I was looking for; thanks! The Mini is clearly more musical, but has less treble.

[@PatricioBenadon]

You are welcome😀

[@cezzarmicu]

I much prefer that it has less treble because that makes it less tiring to the ears ;)

[@davidtodd2104]

Strange comments here. Listening via my Beoplay HX it is clear that the Flex has more clarity and a more balanced sound. All the Soundlink Mini 2 has is more base. I used to own one and it struggled with certain genres of music, podcasts etc. I’d say it’s biggest problem was overly muddy mids being drowned out. My Bose 700 overears have exactly the same problem. I will admit however that I do prefer the warmer sound profile typical of Bose.

[@monskie1111]

Hi, as I understand your comment, does that mean Flex has better sound especially in podcasts? I have a Bose mini, and yes, some podcasts sound a bit "under the water" so it is harder to listen to. I just decided to go for Flex, hopefully this ain't a wrong decision made. Thanks.

[@davidtodd2104]

@@monskie1111 I picked up the Flex and had the mini 2. I wholeheartedly prefer the Flex. The sound profile more than anything is vastly improved. I don’t think you will be dissatisfied in the least.

[@GEE-SHOCK]

Great comparison thanks! I love my old mini 2 better :) Any successor of mini 2?

[@amirulhakim2858]

Mini 1😎

[@ferpirata76]

Great review Patricio. Suscribed!

[@monarakudumbiya957]

They are just differently EQed. It’s a matter of preference

[@tomabo883]

soundLink mini 2 はテーブルに直接置くとテーブルの反射音で再生条件が悪くなので反射しないよう設置するのがベストですね

[@pokeluna100]

100% Bose Sound link 2

[@CALLOFDUTY.99]

Hola Patricio me encanto la comparación de las 2 pero me gusta mas la Soundlink 2 suscrito 🎉

[@aynew4999]

Hey! thanks your testing video ~ I have a question! if i got 2 flex on party mode can i get the sound quality like mini 2?

[@karastudio]

They will rather sound like two Flexes

[@127Foxtrot]

My guess is 2 x Flex speakers in Stereo mode would sound better than the Soundlink Mini 2. I believe the driver in the Flex is larger than the Mini (44mm vs 33mm), and you can place 2 Flex speakers much further apart for a much better stereo sound compared to a Mini.

[@mauricioreyes430]

Had them both and the sounlink mini 2 lacked in sound dispersing great base great in quality but sound fell off after walking away or not being faced by it flex just does more and is louder... and adapts to genres that the mini could not handle

[@babbar77]

I'm about to buy one, just still confused with it. From this test, Flex has more instrumental coverage i guess. The instruments other than the bass sound clearer on Flex i believe. Never heard them live though. What do you suggest?

[@zerofivetwelve]

I agree. People here say mini is better until they really have both and flex is gonna be a clear winner 😂

[@LittleBro188]

Marshall willen vs bose micro who is better tell me .

[@udim7284]

Thanks for the comparison. Any idea which of these 2 speakers will fit more for epic music/soundtracks (less vocals and more instrumental music) thanks.

[@juanjara4615]

La razon de un bajo más profundo en el Mini 2 es que su Laberinto Acústico es más grande dadas sus dimensiones más amplias, incluso sus bocinas podían ser más profundas. el Mini 2 cuesta 25 dólares más que el Flex. el Mini 2 tiene cuerpo metálico lo que lo hace mas durable pero el Flex con su cuerpo plástico es más impermeable . Me parece que si lo que buscas es una bocina para casa u oficina el Mini 2 es lo adecuado pero si lo tuyo es el campo y los espacios abiertos lo adecuado es el Flex

[@klopopoful]

Excelente comentario! Muchas gracias!

[@ProdByClockwerk]

This is 100% correct!

[@rafaelfernandezperez556]

Sabéis si el mini 2 especial edición soporta party para enlazar 2 altavoces?

[@PatricioBenadon]

Lamentablemente, no soporta Party Mode :(. Una de las grandes desventajas.

[@PatricioBenadon]

Alguien mencionó que Android si soporta esa característica, pero yo no los he probado

[@cesarquintero_]

Flex - 1 driver vs SL Mini ii - 2 drivers

[@TJVideoChannelUTube]

Make sense for the result.

[@nullhill6486]

Wow the old mini sounds MUCH better

[@shoerice5083]

Nope

[@rishabhchander9677]

I think Bose engineers made mini is the only cutting edge piece of punch in Bose speakers nor ever designed unlike any other Bose speakers.

[@adriangrant1746]

The mini is simply impressive.

[@cristianvirlan8480]

Bose soundlink mini 2 win

[@shoerice5083]

In what world???😂😂

[@adriamismael4472]

Hola se puede conectar esos 2 bose en modo fiesta ??

[@Telugu_Isleexplorer]

Can anyone please confirm if connecting flex to TV via Bluetooth (which is the only option anyway), has any delay for audio/video (audio sync)?

[@mikesquibb9829]

If you have both, connect together for party mode, the sound is superb 👌

[@horasano]

Or stereo😬

[@Lbotking02]

I thought that the Soundlink Mini II SE doesn't have stereo or party mode. does it?

[@PatricioBenadon]

As far as I know, party mode is not supported. More on that soon.

[@mikesquibb9829]

The only way you can link them both together is through Android's Media Player, unfortunately you can not link them through the Bose app

[@Lbotking02]

@@mikesquibb9829 that’s disappointing. I have the Mini SE (2 speakers) arriving this Wednesday. Now I have to send them back and order 2 of the Flex. The Soundlink mini looks much nicer!

[@SaltedBadly]

Bassheads will choose SLM2 Se for sure.

[@MIXEL1234]

Excelent

[@soyeltaljerry]

Soundlink mini Is The Best

[@jesusvalenzuela3338]

Los 2 parlantes son muy buenos, recibes lo que pagás $

[@rishabhchander9677]

It's because Soundlink mini has custom cutting edge driver pushes too much air into dual passive radiators and also it's stereo.

[@PatricioBenadon]

Thanks for the info

[@ZYOoOYZ]

Hello , I own both speakers , with Bose connect IOS application i can control the flex speaker , unfortunately for the mini II can’t control by bose application , is there application can download to control the mini II speaker ?? Thank you for reading .

[@PatricioBenadon]

Not that I’m aware of. I also wish the mini 2 was controllable via the Bose App…:(

[@Reeceline]

Probably a blessing in disguise. There's a lot of complaints about the app so I'm happy without it!

[@niatech5337]

i am getting mini 2 SE and flex at same porice . which to go for the longer run ? need more cleaner vocals and slight loudness .

[@PatricioBenadon]

They are both pretty good, the flex it’s more versatile when it comes to outdoors and water

[@niatech5337]

@@PatricioBenadon longetivity wise ? I need to use it only indoors with PC/laptop/desktop/mobile

[@PatricioBenadon]

I would incline more for the Mini 2 then :-)))

[@experiencelifelittleone]

hello, how do they differ in size? Is soundlink mini II take up more space?

[@experiencelifelittleone]

is soundlink mini II good for watching shows and movies? Does the audio sound clear?

[@experiencelifelittleone]

when you put it on the table, does soundlink mini 2 se have vibration on the table when you rest your hand on the table?

[@PatricioBenadon]

I haven’t try that

[@Van_Liberty]

I have to say the Mini's sound is more spacial and richer. The Flex just sounds a bit tinier and thinner...IMHO

[@horasano]

Nice comparison, would like to see mini 2 vs mini 2 se( if there is an improvement). I have mini 2, if they are both same quality, no need to change. Thanks👍🏻

[@PatricioBenadon]

As far as I know, they are exactly the same speaker. SE has bigger battery and usb-c, the rest stayed the same.

[@horasano]

@@PatricioBenadon thanks for your reply✌️

[@khasan991]

Bose soundlink mini 2 se discontineu to August 2024 😢

[@TJVideoChannelUTube]

Bose SoundLink Mini 2 delivers stronger and richer base, has more details in term of overall sound quality, presents real live sound effects.

[@ricardopino2220]

Bose flex sounds more clear 💪🏽 just bought it for $119

[@mythoughts2355]

2nd 3rd and 4th sound test genre is identical 1st on mini 2 was louder but not as balance just louder treble but lost evenly bass sound….i had a mini 2. The flex with silicon carrying with shoulder strap includes carabiner makes it easy to take anywhere, not as heavy. I’ve seen similar carrying case for the Mimi 2, anyone have that set up of the mini 2 let us know to make it comparison. Great review always wondered what this sound compression is. I gave my mini 2 to my sister. Btw listening on Bose sound link Flex, got on Amazon Front Row Electronics seller $99 sound Amazing its IPX 67. I believe the Mini 2 is not water proof to submerge a meter in water for 30 minutes.

[@Maloha486]

The only reason to guy the flex is if you’re out and about and playing music off your backpack or so.

[@SubShot12]

2 x Soundlink Flex in Party Stereo Mode Slam the mini 2

[@aynew4999]

Same?

[@aynew4999]

@SubShot12 if i got 2 flex on party mode can i got the sound quality like mini 2?

[@SubShot12]

Soundcore Motion X600 is the best set up, better than bose

[@aynew4999]

@@SubShot12 ok Thank you i will check it

[@dean193]

U guys r tweaking I have both and compared side by side and the flex easily wins by sound quality and loudness

[@dvang81]

More bass on the MINI

[@아방방-s5y]

I'm going to listen to it in my room, do you like flex more than mini 2?

[@PatricioBenadon]

I don’t tweak anything… what would be the point of that?

[@아방방-s5y]

@@PatricioBenadon Is mini2 better to listen to in the room?

[@PatricioBenadon]

Mini 2 is perfect for that!

[@dusmigais]

This is tough, I like how mini looks but flex sounds better...

[@sciencestruck9698]

Flex more musical

[@lucetothebridge]

everything ok.. until an out tune Jingle Bell coming ..lolll..

[@PatricioBenadon]

:-)))

The Flex is also way louder

[@Skara999]

Bose is the Boss of speakers ❤❤❤

[@TN-px1pd]

Flex лучше чем А1. А1 на голову сильней mini. А mini лучше чем flex. Во многих обзорах говорят что flex по всем статьям лучше чем mini

[@ScottR10]

Wth is an A1???

[@elan_S1_lotus]

FLEXの方が素直な音質なんですよね

[@PatricioBenadon]

I still like mini 2 more :)

[@BigLeatherface]

mini 2 > flex

[@Kenneth-g1t]

Not worth $149. It's a noise maker. Sounds like a little transister radio . They over estimate the speakers value

[@yfl409]

sound link mini 2 bluetooth version?

[@PatricioBenadon]

Yes

[@yfl409]

@@PatricioBenadon i mean the bluetooh version, 4.0 or 5.0 or 5.1 😁😁

[@PatricioBenadon]

Ah, not sure….

[@hamidreza4845]

@@yfl409unfortunately 3.0

[@estebanpavez3162]

From being a bose user for years. Bose has the bad habit of releasing something really good. Then trying to manufacture it cheaper. Thats why you only see one speaker on the new flex. Same with the Bose QC35 The first vertion sounded much better than the newer vertions of QC35 they started using. Then their headsets starting having issues with the drivers because they were cheap. Unlike the first vertion. And why discontinue something that was nice? Because it costed them too much to make it.